"The committee on the proper education of merchants beg leave to submit the following report:

"MR. CHAIRMAN:-This is a subject that has been discussed so little in this country as to render it almost a new theme. It has been said and perhaps truly, that 92 out of every 100 merchants or those engaged in mercantile pursuits fail of success. If this be so, the subject presents at once matter for grave consideration. Premising this, let us consider the causes. In doing so we will find various reasons. One of which, however, is so prominent and glaring that we offer it in preference to any other, that is, the improper training or education of those engaged in the business of buying and selling. However strange the reasons we offer may appear to the casual reader at the first glance, we hold it nevertheless to be an incontrovertible fact, that a close and rigid apprenticeship preparatory to entering upon the duties of merchandising is absolutely necessary. Now in every profession and occupation of life it is indispensably requisite, and generally imperatively required, that men should be properly and rightly trained before they are allowed to enter upon a full practice of the same. This is required of the physician, the lawyer, and the mechanic. If this is so, then the argument is conclusive corroborating our premises.

"We find few men who claim to be merchants at the present day that have had such a training as we have alluded to, and when we find such it will be discovered that instead of 92 out of every 100 failing of success, that 92 out of every 100 are invariably successful.

"It is not unfrequently the case that we see men advanced in years and even after middle life, and who have had no commercial training and consequently have no knowledge of commercial affairs, launching into mercantile pursuits. Indeed, we might say that there are thousands of men that can scarcely read or write a plain note of hand, who have laid aside profitable avocations suitable to their tastes and mind, to enter into a mercantile business. It is useless to depict the results. It is a lamentable fact that men who are happily situated and in prosperous condition, should permit themselves to be drawn away from that which they are qualified to discharge, (by an erroneous impression which has diffused itself among the community,) that merchandising is of all other pursuits the most easily learned, and the surest and quickest way of accumulating a fortune. Hundreds of individuals forsake the quiet firesides where peace and plenty reign and dwell, influenced by this delusive idea, and in a few years terminate their career in ruin and bankruptcy. If indeed this matter was confined only to the man himself, it would not be so deplorable, but such is the continuous chain which connects commercial affairs, that it affects the community at large, and thus by the ambitious grasping ignorance of one, the many are made to suffer. This not only injures in a pecuniary point of view, but is actually a clog to the real genuine business man, and prevents him in a great measure from carrying out his operations on that scale and in a manner which would really benefit the community in a commercial point of view.

"This brings us to our first proposition- What is the proper education of Merchants,' of course we but simply submit our opinion.

"There seems to be a prevailing opinion that if a boy can write legibly, has ciphered to the rule of three, and possessed of a fair amount of impudence, that he is properly qualified, worthy of a fine salary, and actually highly competent to take charge of the most complicated mercantile business. These are stubborn facts and of daily occurrence. According to our opinion, a boy intended for a mercantile life should have it impressed upon his mind at the outset, and everything appertaining to his education should be directed to that channel. His education should be thorough, complete, and as extensive as if intended for any of the learned professions. Mathematics, geogra phy, and history, should have a high and prominent place in his education; and another important matter should not be overlooked, indeed it is the most important of all, viz: the moral culture of the mind, with a high sense of honor, honesty, and integrity. Those attributes are the bulwark upon which the solidity of the whole commercial fabric is based. Have this instilled and implanted into the minds of boys whom parents or guardians wish to prepare for a mercantile life, together with habits of unceas ing, untiring industry, and liberal economy, and provided there is nothing radically wrong in the constitution of their nature, you will have thus prepared, when they shall have arrived to maturity, men deserving in every respect the name and title of merchant: who will undoubtedly succeed in all their undertakings, reflecting honor and character on mercantile professions. Respectfully submitted,

W. WALKER, (hairman."

THE NEW PLANET DISCOVERED BY FERGUSON.

A new planet was discovered on the first of September, at the National Observatory, Washington, by Mr. James Ferguson the Assistant at that institution. It is the thirty-first of the system of small planets which has been discovered between Mars and Jupiter, and the first discovered on this side of the Atlantic. The first of these bodies (Ceres) was discovered by Piazzi, in 1801; the discovery being entirely accidental, although the existence of at least one planet had been conjectured in the large space between Mars and Jupiter, and an approximate place given to it by an empirical law first announced by Bode. In 1807 the number had increased to four, and the hypothesis was set up that these were probably the fragments of a larger planet which had exploded or been broken by some convulsion of the system.

There was no addition made to the family till 1845, when Dr. Hencke discovered Astræa, since which time the number has been increased year by year, till now we have thirty-one, the hypothesis of the exploded planet growing gradually weaker as the number of fragments augmented. These bodies have, by general consent of astronomers, been named after the Dea Minores of the old mythology, which it is now feared may not furnish names enough for so large a society. They are all small, showing like stars of from the 7th to the 10th magnitude.

There may be many yet undiscovered, though M. Le Verrier has recently determined, from the computed disturbance which they must occasion to the orbit of Mars, that their aggregate mass cannot equal one-fourth of the mass of the earth. The new planet has been named by its discoverer Euphrosyne.

TEN YEARS' MERCANTILE BLINDNESS.

The "Merchant," a folio of four," published weekly in Philadelphia, was "got up" as an advertising medium for merchants and men of business. Aside from its character as an advertising sheet, it is enriched with maxims, morals and miscellanies that merchants would do well to “mark, learn and inwardly digest." From a recent number of this Journal we take the following good advice, however interested it may be, to merchants on the importance of advertising:

"A man may be very sharp-sighted in one respect, and blind in another. He may be so intent on seeing pennies as to miss the dollars, and he may boast of the found penny when you know he has missed the dollar. We saw one of these interesting specimens the other day, who very enthusiastically asserted that he had been in business ten years, and never advertised at all! And what did that prove? What reason was that in favor of his wisdom? As well might a rural biped boast that be had always put a stone in one end of the bag to balance the corn or meal, and had always shunned the turnpike. If he had done well despite of his adherence to old methods, might he not have done better by adopting some of the improvements in business! The old minister said he was sure he preached better than ever before, and yet people hinted something else was essential, and talking with his beadle, who was a tailor, he learned what the neglected thing was. The beadle said he was sure he bought as good cloth, and put in as good work as ever into the garments he made, “but parson," said he, "it's the cut that is wanting-the new cut that I have n't got the hang of yet." And so we may say in all honesty. Advertising is the new cut in the fashion of business; and it is no arbitrary, silly, unaccountable freak of the multitude, but a matter of real business philosophy. "Ten years in business without any advertising" is ten years of mercantile blindness. A poor business has been made a good one, and a good one vastly increased by advertising; for advertising in all its varieties, is but an extension of the wisdom that puts up a sign, that has a shop-bill or card printed, that arranges goods in the window or at the door, or that adopts any means of attracting attention to the name, or business, or goods of a storekeeper. "Ten years in business and never advertised!" let such a man keep on a while longer, and he will be so singular an object-so out of all order-so completely an odd genius, that Barnum will give him a large price to add him to his curiosities, if General Welch don't get him for his new Philadelphia Museum. "Ten years in business without advertising !" put the man down in your memoranda as blind to his best interests-strangely blind!"

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Kansas and Nebraska: the History, Geographical and Physical Characteristics, and Political Position of those Territories; an account of the Emigrant Aid Companies, and Directions to Emigrants. By EDWARD E. HALE. With an original map from the latest authorities. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. New York: J. C. Derby.

Mr. Hale is one of the directors of the Worcester County (Mass.) Kansas League, and takes a deep interest in the welfare of those immense territories in the geographical center of the Union, which were organized at the last session of Congress. He has collected material from the memoirs of early French travelers, and has made use of the travels of Lewis and Clarke, Capt. Pike, Col. Long, Mr. Breckenridge, Major Bonneville, Col. Fremont, Col. Emory, Lieut. Abert, Mr. Parkman, Major Cross, Capt. Stansbury, Capt. Gunnison, Gov. Stevens, Lieut. Williamson, and others. He has also gathered from letters published in newspapers and from personal narratives with which he has been favored. In his account of the Indian tribes, he has drawn from the spirited sketches of Mr. Catlin and the treatise of Mr. Gallatin, besides the notices of the above-named travelers. There is a chapter in the political history which includes a brief narrative of the debates on the “ Missouri Restriction," the “Compromise,” and the "Nebraska Act." The intelligent emigrant to the fertile soil of Nebraska or Kansas, which yields so quickly and abundantly, should have a copy of this work. 2.-Africa and the American Flag. By Commander ANDREW H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Lieut. Commander United States Brig Perry, on the Coast of Africa, A. D. 18501851. 12mo., pp. 389. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The United States, in accordance with a treaty made with Great Britain in 1842, have continued to the present time to maintain a squadron on the coast of Africa for the suppression of the slave trade. To illustrate the importance of this squadron, its effects upon the condition of Africa, and the relations which its operations bear to American interests, and the rights of the American flag, is the primary object of this work. Commander Foote has, however, as germane to his object, furnished much that is interesting touching the manners and customs of the Africans. He also furnishes a good general view of the continent of Africa, comprising the past and present condition of its inhabitants, slavery in Africa and its foreign slave trade, the piracies upon the coast, the geological structure of the country, its natural history, language and people, and the progress of colonization by the negro race returning to their own land with the light of religion, of sound policy, and of modern arts. The work is finely illustrated, well written, and embraces a large amount of interesting information on the topics it discusses.

3.-The World in the Middle Ages. An Historical Geography. With Accounts of the Origin and Development, the Institutions and Literature, the Mauners and Customs of the Nations in Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, from the close of the Fourth to the middle of the Fifteenth Century. By ADOLPHUS LOUIS KOEPPEN, Professor of History and German Literature in Franklin and Marshall College, Pennsylvania. 2 vols. 12mo., pp. 851. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This, we believe, is the first geographical work designed to illustrate the medieval period of history in the range of English literature. It is accompanied by complete historical and geographical indexes, and colored maps from the historical atlas of Charles Spruner, Captain of Engineers in the kingdom of Bavaria. This work, to the student of medieval history, is a desideratum of great value and importance. 4.-Progress and Prejudice. By Mrs. GORE, Author of "The Banker's Daughter," "Mothers and Daughters," &c., &c. Pages, 335. New York: De Witt & Davenport.

Mrs, Gore has acquired in England an extensive reputation as a novel writer, and a knowledge of her works in our country, several of which have been published here, is by no means limited. In this book she has truthfully delineated human nature in some of its specialities. The characters are generally drawn with great naturalness, and the style is easy and graceful.

5.-A Complete Treatise on Artificial Fish Breeding. Including the Reports on the subject made to the French Academy and the French Government; and particulars of the Discovery as pursued in England. Translated and Edited by WILLIAM H. FRY. Illustrated with Engravings. Pages 188. New York: D. Appleton

& Co.

The subject of artificial fish culture is an important one. Fish in our rivers, bays and finest streams are, it is a well-known fact, alarmingly on the decrease, and something must be done. The discovery of which this work treats claims to show how, at little care and, cost, barren and impoverished streams may be stocked to an unlimited extent with the rarest and most valuable breeds of fish from eggs artificially procured, impregnated, and hatched. The entire history and practical details of artificial fish breeding, will be found in this volume. The editor has translated and given us all that is valuable in the contents of seven works by French and English authors. There is also added a series of papers on artificial salmon breeding, published in Bell's Life in London in the early part of the present year. We commend the book to the attention of economists, and the subject to the attention of our State Legislatures. Nor is it uninteresting to the general reader.

6.-The Elements of Agriculture. A Book for Young Farmers, with Questions prepared for the use of Schools. By GEO. E. WARING, Consulting Agriculturist. Pages 288. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This work contains information of inestimable value to the practical farmer, and its perusal, too, by the thoughtful student will afford pleasure. It contains a plain statement of the more simple operations by which nature produces many results so common to our observation, that we are thoughtless of their origin. Farmers are too apt to think that they can acquire but little useful agricultural knowledge from books; but we feel convinced that every intelligent cultivator of the soil will acknowledge this book to be one of great utility-one by the advice of which he may better learn the ways and assist the action of nature. Information such as is found in this volume should, in our judgment, be sought by every farmer in the land. It is a valuable addition to the agricultural literature of the times.

7-The Better Land; or the Believer's Journey and Future Home. By AUGUSTUS C. THOMPSON, Pastor of the Eliot Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts. 12mo., pp. 244. Boston: Gould & Lincoln.

The volume contains fourteen chapters. Some idea of the character and contents may be gathered from the titles of each, as follows:-the Pilgrimage; Clusters of Eshcol; Waymarks; Glances of the Land; the Passage; Recognition of Friends; the Heavenly Banquet; Children in Heaven; Society of Angels; Society of the Saviour; Heavenly Honors and Riches; No Tears in Heaven; Holiness of Heaven; Activity in Heaven; Resurrection Body; and Perpetuity of Bliss. If Mr. Thompson's contemplation of the "better land” induces his readers to improve the " land we live in," it will not have been written in vain.

8.-The Poetical Works of Thomas Parnell. With a Life by Oliver Goldsmith. The Poetical Works of Thomas Tickell. With a Life by Dr. Johnson. 18mo., pp. 128 and 178.

Another volume of Little, Brown & Co's. unrivaled edition of the British Poets Parnell was born in 1679, was a friend of Pope and Swift, and one of the popular authors of that time. Tickell was born in 1686. They were cotemporaries, and the poetical productions of the two form the present volume. Tickell was a friend of Addison, and wrote for the Spectator. His poetry evinces elegance and tenderness, but is deficient in variety and force. Chambers says his "Collin and Lucy" is worth all his other works. The volume is quite necessary for the series.

9.-British Poets. The Poetical Works of John Gay. With a Life of the Author. By Dr. JOHNSON. Two volumes. 18mo., pp. 260 and 304. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.

John Gay was born in 1688, and died in 1732. He is spoken of as the most artless and best beloved of all the Pope and Swift circle of wits and poets. He has the licentiousness without the elegance of Prior. His fables are among the best in English verse; and if they have not the rich humor and archness of La Fontaine's, the subjects of them are light and pleasing, and the versification always smooth and correct. The "British Poets" would not be complete without Gay.

10. The Poetical Works of John Dryden. Five volumes 18mo. Boston: Little, Brown & Co. New York: Evans & Dickerson.

It has been said in general terms of Dryden, that no man hath written in the English language so various matters so well. Dryden's versification was regarded by Armstrong to be the most musical in rhyme, sound, sweet, pompous, spirited, and various, flowing with a happy volubility, and an animated and masterly negligence. This edition, which forms a part of the publishers' incomparable series of the "British Poets" in course of publication, contains a life of Dryden by the Rev. John Mitford, copiously illustrated with notes. We are gratified to learn that this noble enterprise of Little, Brown & Co. is receiving the encouragement it so richly merits. It is rare to find elegance and beauty of style and economy combined as in this publication of the British poets. It is equal in every respect to Pickering's Aldine edition, with the advantage of reduced price. Besides, it will embrace the works of a great number of poets not included in Pickering's collection.

11.-Atherton, and other Tales. By MARY RUSSELL MITFORD. 12mo., pp. 487. Boston: Ticknor & Fields.

This volume is not inferior to other writings from the pen of Miss Mitford. Most of the stories have appeared before in an English annual; but the chief one of this book, Atherton, is the longest she ever composed, and was written under great physical disabilities. Miss Mitford was thrown from a chaise, and so injured and crippled. she was unable to rise from her seat, and when placed upon her bed, she was incapable of turning in the slightest degree. In this enfeebled state, she wrote this story, at times employing a person to hold the ink-glass for her use, as she could not raise her hand for that purpose. We find no trace of decline in her mental powers, although suffering so much physically. In Atherton, she gives a glowing description of English scenery and rural life. The story has few incidents, but the characters are well drawn, the scenes portrayed in a lively, interesting style. The moral tone of the book is excellent.

12.-Poems and Ballads. By GERALD MASSEY. Containing the Ballad of Babe Christabel. From the third London Edition, with several new Poems never before published. Revised and Corrected by the Author. 12mo., pp. 228, New York: J. C. Derby. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co.

The poems of Massey, a comparatively new name in the Temple of the Muses, have attracted, and deservedly, a good deal of notice. They are strikingly beautiful in language and deeply passionate in feeling. He belongs to the Burns school of poets rather than the Wordsworth, and takes after Elliot, the Corn Law Rhymster, rather than Thomson. He speaks to the poor from personal experience. His "Lyrics of Love" are full of beauty and tenderness, and his "Songs of Progress" not less full of poetic power and beauty.

13. A History of England. By JOHN LINGARD, D. D. 12mo. Boston: Phillips Sampson & Co. New York: J. C. Derby.

This history, as we have before stated, commences with the first invasion of the Romans, and brings the history of England down to the accession of William and Mary in 1588. The sixth volume before us commences with the accession and marriage of Henry VIII. in 1509, and closes with his death, which occurred in 1542. It forms a most interesting portion of England's history. This handsome reprint will be completed in thirteen volumes. Although the production of a Catholic, it is regarded by many Protestants as a work of singular impartiality.

14.-Legends and Records: chiefly Historical. By CHARLES B. TAYLER, M. A., author of the "Records of a Good Man's Life," "Thankfulness," "Lady Mary," "Margaret," "Angels' Songs," &c. 12mo., pp. 314. New York: Stanford & Swords.

The writings of Mr. Tayler-a clergyman, we believe, of the Protestant Episcopal Church of England-are in high repute with the members of that communion, and those who have read his Records of a Good Man's Life and other works, will read the present sketches, chiefly historical, with equal avidity and interest.

15.-The Works of Joseph Addison. 12mo., pp. 678. New York: G. P. Putnam & Co. The present volume, the fifth, completes this unrivaled edition of Addison's works. We say unrivaled, because it is the most full and complete edition heretofore published, and is printed in a neat and attractive style. No known writing of the author has been omitted.